We condemn the online harassment campaign against journalist Elena Celac from Radio Moldova Comrat and call on law enforcement agencies to punish the perpetrators of insults and verbal attacks

We note with concern and condemn the perpetuation of online intimidation of journalists in connection with their professional activities. We call on law enforcement agencies to hold harassers and perpetrators of threats, slander, and insults accountable.

This week, journalist Elena Celac from Radio Moldova Comrat became the target of multiple insults, offensive labels, and unfounded and derogatory accusations from individuals behind Facebook profiles named Iordan Iasîbaș, Valerii Cîssa, Nicolai Cambur, Boris Casarschi, Piotr Curdoglo, and Grigorii Iabanji. The harassment campaign was launched in the context of the broadcast of the program “In the Spotlight,” with the participation of Nicolai Dudoglo, a member of the People’s Assembly of Gagauzia, who left the studio in response to the moderator’s request to present evidence for his statements, including accusations against politicians of illegal acts. This situation represents a clear attempt to intimidate the media and undermine the right to practice journalism in a safe and respectful environment.

The undersigned organizations condemn these unacceptable practices, emphasizing the increased danger of their entrenchment and perpetuation in the online environment. According to the Law on Freedom of Expression, the state guarantees freedom of expression for the press, and the illegal obstruction of media activity is a criminal offense. At the same time, we emphasize that the expression of insults, the dissemination of false and defamatory reports, threats and harassment of journalists, including through a computer system, are punishable under national law.

The lack of prompt reactions and measures to counteract these vicious practices creates a state of impunity and the erroneous perception that online discourse is exempt from legal requirements. The undersigned organizations strongly condemn the actions of harassers and perpetrators of threats, slander, and insults, and emphasize that such violations cannot be tolerated.

We call on the law enforcement agencies of the Republic of Moldova, by virtue of their legal powers, to take note of the acts committed and to initiate the procedures provided for by law to hold accountable those who have committed insults, used offensive labels, and made unfounded and defamatory accusations against the press.

Independent Journalism Center

Organizations that have joined the statement:

• Association of Independent Press
• Association of Electronic Press
• Media-Guard Association
• Center for Investigative Journalism
• RISE Moldova
• Press Freedom Committee
• Access-Info Center
• Association of Environmental and EcoTourism Journalists of Moldova
• Transparency International – Moldova